Romanian President Klaus Iohannis urged the nation Thursday (25 April) to vote next month in a referendum on judicial reforms, calling it a chance to teach the ruling left-wing social democrats “a lesson”.

“This is also a referendum on the PSD,” Iohannis said in a televised statement referring to the ruling Social Democratic Party. “Voters can teach it a lesson.”

If Romanians rebuke the ruling party, “we’ll have a mandate to act immediately”, Iohannis said.

The centre-right president also said he had signed the decree for the referendum to be held on 26 May, the same day Romania is to hold its EU parliament elections.

Romania, together with Bulgaria, missed the first wave of the EU’s eastward expansion in 2004. The two …

At the referendum Romanians will be asked whether they approve a ban on amnesties and pardons for corruption offences, and a ban on emergency judicial decrees.

Regarded as one of the EU’s most graft-ridden members, Romania has repeatedly clashed with Brussels over a series of judicial reforms proposed by the PSD which the EU Commission believes will hamper the fight against corruption.

Earlier Wednesday the parliament approved controversial changes to the country’s criminal code that critics say favour PSD head Liviu Dragnea and are likely to set up a fresh confrontation with the European Union.

Romania’s lower house of parliament approved changes to the criminal codes on Wednesday (24 April) that could shut down several ongoing high-level graft cases, but opposition politicians plan to challenge the bills at the Constitutional Court.

Romanian opposition leaders charge that the changes approved this week will close high-level graft cases and benefit Dragnea, who was served a suspended jail term and awaits a verdict in a second case.

“They changed the criminal code as they pleased. They legislate so they can continue to steal with impunity,” charged Iohannis.

He acknowledged that the referendum will not be binding, but insisted that it nonetheless “sends a signal”.

The reforms dispute has overshadowed Romania’s first term as European Union rotating president, which began in January.

The opposition has said it will challenge the new criminal code amendments at the Constitutional Court which will delay their enforcement.

Dragnea has said he is not afraid of a referendum, and maintains that Iohannis is preparing the ground for a fresh presidential election that is due to be held towards the end of this year.

EURACTIV's editorial content is independent from the views of our sponsors.

Media is a pillar of democracy – as long as it can function properly. Now more than ever we need unbiased, expert information on how and why the European Union functions. This information should not be behind a paywall, and we remain committed to providing our content for free.

We know our readers value our reporting. We know journalism that covers the EU in a clear, unbiased way is critical to the future of the European Union. And we know your support is critical for ensuring this independent and free journalism.

Don’t take the media sector for granted. It was already fragile before the coronavirus pandemic. And as people can’t meet, media companies have lost a major source of revenue: events. EURACTIV is supported by a mix of revenue streams including sponsorships, online advertising, EU-funded projects, and policy debates. All of these sources of revenue are impacted by the current crisis.

While media struggles, disinformation thrives. We are already seeing fearmongering, fake news about the EU response, and increased threats to freedom of the press.

For more than two decades we have provided free, independent, multilingual reporting on the European Union. We continue to believe in Europe, and we hope you do too.

Your financial support at this critical time will allow our network of newsrooms across Europe to continue their work when Europe needs it most.

Contribute to our reporting

The need for fast, accurate and balanced information is always important. We value EURACTIV's good, independent journalism and support this initiative

Mella Frewen, Director General of FoodDrinkEurope

EURACTIV plays a vital role in bringing Europe closer to its citizens. EURACTIV has long recognised that the story of Europe has to be told across the continent, and not just in Brussels. We need to support a truly European and informed debate.